Endocrine System Overview

A set of 40 question-and-answer flashcards covering endocrine glands, their hormones, functions, and related disorders for exam review.

3. What are hormones?

Chemical signaling molecules carried in the bloodstream that bind to receptors on target cells to elicit a response.

7. What are tropic hormones?

Hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to release additional hormones.

9. Why is the pituitary gland called the “master gland”?

Because its hormones control the activity of many other endocrine glands.

10. Name the two functional lobes of the pituitary gland.

The anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).

11. Which anterior pituitary hormone determines overall body size?

Growth hormone (GH).

12. Which anterior pituitary hormone stimulates the thyroid gland?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

13. Which anterior pituitary hormone regulates adrenal cortex activity?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

14. Which anterior pituitary hormone regulates gamete (sperm/egg) production?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

15. Which anterior pituitary hormone triggers sex-steroid production (testosterone/estrogen)?

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

16. Which anterior pituitary hormone stimulates breast development and maintains lactation?

Prolactin (PRL).

17. What posterior pituitary hormone stimulates uterine contractions during birth?

Oxytocin.

18. What posterior pituitary hormone increases water reabsorption in the kidneys?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

19. What is the isthmus of the thyroid gland?

The narrow central region that joins the two lobes of the thyroid gland.

20. Which two hormones collectively make up thyroid hormone (TH) and control metabolic rate?

Thyroxine (T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3).

21. Which thyroid hormone lowers blood calcium levels?

Calcitonin.

22. Which hormone is the most important regulator that raises blood calcium levels?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH).

23. Where is the thymus located, and what is its endocrine role?

In the superior thorax posterior to the sternum; it secretes thymosin and thymopoietin to mature and specialize white blood cells.

24. What are the two regions of each adrenal gland?

The adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.

25. Name the three major categories of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisone), and gonadocorticoids (androgens/estrogens).

26. Which two catecholamines are secreted by the adrenal medulla?

Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

27. Which pancreatic hormone lowers blood glucose by facilitating its uptake into cells?

Insulin.

28. Which pancreatic hormone raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown?

Glucagon.

29. What are the primary female sex hormones produced by the ovaries?

Estrogen and progesterone.

30. What is the principal hormone produced by the testes?

Testosterone.

31. Which pineal gland hormone helps regulate circadian (sleep/wake) rhythms?

Melatonin.

32. What disorder results from hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults?

Acromegaly, characterized by enlargement of bones in the face, hands, and feet.

33. Which disorder is caused by hypersecretion of adrenal cortical hormones leading to hyperglycemia?

Cushing’s disease.

34. Hyposecretion of which hormone leads to Diabetes Insipidus?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

35. What condition results from insulin hyposecretion or inaction?

Diabetes mellitus, marked by an inability of cells to use glucose.

36. What is the effect of hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bones?

Loss of calcium from bones causing them to deform or become fragile.

37. Myxedema is caused by the hyposecretion of which hormone?

Thyroid hormone (T4/T3).

38. What is tetany, and which hormonal deficiency triggers it?

Prolonged muscle spasms caused by hyposecretion of parathyroid hormone leading to low blood calcium.

39. Addison’s disease results from the hyposecretion of which group of hormones, and what is a key symptom?

Corticosteroids (especially aldosterone and cortisol); a key symptom is hypotension.

Grave's Disease is a result of hyper secretion of which hormone?

Hypo-secretion of thyroid hormone which leads to elevated metabolic rate, nervousness, weight loss, and irregular heartbeat (hyperthyroidism)

Dwarfism is a result of a deficiency in which hormone?

hypo-secretion of growth hormone in children

Which hormone is primarily involved in hyperglycemia

Insulin is hyper-secreted, causing low blood sugar